>> reporter: first-term incumbent jerry conley of virginia is one democrat hoping to hang on to his congressional seat. >> talking to many of my colleagues, they get the threat. they understand there's understandable anxiety in the country given the state of the economy, but they're prepared going into battle. >> reporter: president obama has much at stake. not only does he risk losing his party's majority in congress this fall, his chances of re-election could get hurt. >> from a republican point of view, we need to bring checks and balances, tell the american people if we get back in control, we're going to check this obama agenda that has no limits. >> reporter: the latest gallup poll has troubling news for democrats. republicans have a ten-point lead and democratic voters may be in danger of dragging their feet. with twice as many republicans saying they're very enthusiastic about voting this fall. >> there's nobody in town that thinks democrats don't lose at least 20 seats. the question is, could it be 40? could it be 60? >> reporter: democrats do have a financial edge heading into the fall,